Culture of Belonging

We all yearn for connection and a sense that we matter

Help us grow our Jewish communities through mindsets and practices that build belonging.

People access our rich Jewish tradition and wisdom best through relationships and community – by being seen, asked, heard and invited to explore and co-create their own meaningful, relevant Jewish path. They need to feel that they belong and are valued, no matter their background, identity or circumstances.

Belonging rarely happens by chance. It requires a shift in the way Jewish life is offered from delivering programs and services to designing intentionally for human connection. The Federation has partnered with Dr. Sarale Shadmi-Wortman and the Israeli Association of Community Centers to develop a language and methodology that is deepening belonging throughout our Bay Area Jewish ecosystem.

Building a culture of belonging is one of the strategies at the core of the Federation’s Engagement Initiative seeking to expand the opportunities and pathways for youth, young adults, and families with young children, to experience Jewish life in relationship with others.

RESOURCES

Join our Facebook Group to continue the conversation, post questions, and share ideas.

Participate in a Culture of Belonging Practice Group – now expanding to the East Bay and Silicon Valley in addition to San Francisco! We meet quarterly to apply belonging principles and tools to real challenges and dilemmas in your organizations. Contact Sandra Ramirez-Noguchi for more information.

473K MATERIALS

On February 13, 2020, close to 200 lay and professional leaders representing 65 Jewish organizations throughout the Bay Area attended 473K: A Belonging Experience. Named after the number of individuals in Jewish households in the Bay Area, the day-long event was designed to inspire and equip Jewish leaders with new mindsets and skillsets to build truly inclusive Jewish communities.

473K was presented by the Federation in partnership with the Israeli Association of Community Centers and Be’chol Lashon, with support from the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative, JIMENA, and Keshet.